Roof staining organisms (lichens, moss and algae) feed off the organic material in shingles. Wherein, they eat the roof. The longer these contaminants go untreated, the more damage they will cause to a roof.​Some homeowners often find confusing and conflicting information when looking for roof cleaning services. To help homeowners select the perfect roof cleaning company to hire, this article explains the differences between the main roof cleaning methods.

Roof cleaning companies that use low-pressure technique utilize high-grade eco-friendly products that don’t contain toxic chemicals, such as phosphates, chlorine-bleach, or other chemicals that can destroy vegetation and pollute waterways. The use of a low-pressure roof cleaning process will avoid the use of damaging high-pressure brushing.

Typically, the results with the low-pressure roof cleaning method are instant as well as complete. Lichens, moss and algae are completely killed before the contractor leaves the property. Roof specialists use environment-friendly roof cleaning products, such as roof shampoo, designed for safe, gentle roof cleaning. Contractors who utilize the low-pressure process will clean the roof while keeping the integrity of the shingles and will not damage the landscaping.​When hiring a company who uses low-pressure roof cleaning method, choose one who guarantees that the lichens, moss and algae will be completely gone before they leave your property. Look for a contractor who provides an annual roof stain prevention program.

High-pressure power washing method

Some roof cleaning companies use high-pressure roof washing method to eliminate roof stains. Not only is this process will damage shingles, but it is also not an effective way to get rid of organisms that cause roof stains. The high-pressure roof cleaning method leaves root systems behind, so the algae, lichens and moss will often return rather quickly.​If you look closely at a concrete walkway that has been pressure washed, you can definitely see the surface damage. Also, high-pressure washing of shingle roofs will blast off the granules of the shingles and will compromise roof integrity. High-pressure washing can be very effective for driveways, walkways, pool cages, as well as some debris removal on exteriors. High powered pressure washing may strip the surface of the tile and will shorten its life expectancy. High-pressure washing shouldn’t be utilize for roof cleaning.

Unfortunately, a large number of the so-called professionals as well as non-professionals that perform pressure washing and roof cleaning services in Florida don’t really know how to effectively and safely clean roofs. These companies will often leave a house with damages that can cause huge problems and a huge amount of money to fix them. These roof issues are typically the result of inexperienced companies utilizing high-pressure roof cleaning method.

Disadvantages of pressure washing

You’ve probably heard of high pressure roof washing, but it doesn’t belong in the same sentence as - roof cleaning. The high-pressure cleaning method is known for causing shingle deterioration, water damage, as well as other costly problems. Pressure washing is also just isn’t that effective in cleaning a roof. However, low-pressure roof cleaning is a special procedure to get rid of fungus, algae, mildew mold, and stains from your roof. Low-pressure roof cleaning technique ensures no damage to the features, surface or shingles of a roof. The low-pressure roof cleaning method can also destroy the spores that develop a breeding environment for the contaminants’ recurrent growth.

Benefits of low-pressure roof cleaning

Low pressure roof cleaning procedure combined with the top-of-the-line cleaning solutions would enable roof cleaning companies to provide a maximum level of cleanliness and curb appeal to your property. After all, utilizing pressure washing to your roof system with 4000 psi is like asking for trouble, it will also remove the painted tile roof systems’ expensive color membrane.

Soft washing technique appears to be the best solution to get shingles looking like brand new. We all know that shingles are fragile, and it’s important to utilize low-pressure roof cleaning process to protect a roofing’s long-term integrity. Combining professional cleaners with the latest technology, low pressure method can definitely remove stains and eliminate bacterial growth - without ever damaging a roof or the rest of the property.​Low pressure cleaning can also provide the most appealing alternatives for regular roof maintenance. With homeowners keeping their roof free from algae and dirt, this could extend the life of surfaces contributing to the property’s curb appeal.

Final thoughts

Although manufacturers created roofs to last for decades, proper maintenance of the roof is a task a homeowner should carry out regularly. If homeowners will clean their roof regularly, it would last longer, and it keeps the market value of a property in its prime. A clean roof also enhances energy efficiency and would make a home look more aesthetically pleasing.

There has long been a saying “out of sight, out of mind” and that certainly rings true when it comes to the roof on most people's homes. Most of them are hard to see, or you can only see parts of them and the most difficult parts to see are often the parts needing the most help as well. While some people have the ladders and skills to climb up on a roof and walk around, they still might not have the experience to know where to look for problems, what problems consist of, and what to do about it either. Here are some tips you can use to inspect and clean your Florida roof and prevent the growth of moss and mildew.

Why It’s Extremely Important To Keep Your Roof Clean

®There are a variety of molds, mildews, mosses, and algae that grow on roofs, none of them are good for your roof, and some of them are bad. Most of them feed off the airborne dirt that lands on your roof, but some of them also eat away at your actual roofing, especially if you have a wooden roof, but other materials are also affected. The other problem with a build-up of these parasites is that they stop the natural flow of water off of your roof and into the downspouts.

In addition to this if your home is part of a home owners association or condo association, it is important to maintain your property to meet their rules and regulations. Also, if you own your own home, there are insurance companies that expect your roof to be clean and maintained so the integrity of the structure is not damaged.

The reason that’s so important is that the slower the flow of water, the more likely you are to get large amounts of sediment and debris accumulated which only compounds the problem. Then, if too much moss or debris is left on the roof, the backed up water can actually seep down between the shingles and cause huge amounts of damage inside the home. This may start slow and cause lots of hard to repair dry rot before it finally bursts through and ruins drywall ceilings, carpets, and furniture.

If You’re Skilled And Athletic, You Can Pressure Wash Your Roof

Climbing up on a roof is only for those with some strength and agility, plus it shouldn’t be done at all on really steep, mossy, or wet roofs because of the danger. Skilled roof cleaners in Florida have special ladders, shoes, safety harnesses, hardhats and insurance protecting them. Once you’re up on your roof, handling a power washer is far more difficult than just walking around.

You should always start near the peak of your roof and aim the high powered water stream down towards the gutters. If you point it upwards, you’re likely to get plenty of water inside your home. Using the power washer wand too close to the shingles can damage them so care must be taken in that aspect as well.

Once The Roof Is Clean There Are Preventative Measures

Roof-a-cide® is a long lasting treatment applied to a roof that prevents it from getting dirty for 2 years. So once the roof is cleaned and the treatment is applied, you don't have to worry about it for that long. So not only does Roof-a-cide® protect your roof from long term damage, but it save you time and money.

If you have a roof in Florida with some obviously visible problems, there are probably worse areas that you can’t see. Most roof cleaning services will happily climb up and inspect your roof, write you an estimate and give you some proper advice. You can get a couple of estimates for comparison so that you know you’re getting a fair price for a job well done. If you would like a free on site estimate for a roof cleaning and Roof-a-cide® treatment, we can help.

​Homeowners in Florida know that the weather can get very hot and humid. This poses additional challenges when it comes to maintaining a home. The humidity can set off the growth of algae and fungus on your property, especially on the roof. Not only that, but the weather elements can result in stains and discoloration on your roof. You can minimize this damage if you keep your roof clean properly. Cleaning your roof and treating with Roof-A-Cide® is the best approach.

Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that pressuring washing their roof will clean it properly. Some of them even use chlorine bleach or oxygenated bleach to clean stubborn stains and algae. Although they might see short-term benefits, these benefits do not last. People are often disappointed when they see stains and algae reappear again. To add to the problem, they use chemicals to clean their roof again. However, they do not realize that repeated cleanings with a chemical cleaner will actually do more damage to the roof and shorten its life.

The best and safest way to keep your roof clean is to remove the stains and discoloration once, then apply a treatment like Roof-A-Cide® to prevent the stains from coming back. This eliminates the need for repeated cleaning and preserves the life of the roof.Your roof should be inspected periodically so any repairs and damage can be fixed. The roof treatment should be applied regularly to keep the stains and algae from coming back. Roof-A-Cide® is specially formulated with non-toxic cleaning agents that are approved by the EPA. It is safe and effective to use on any type of roofing material including tile, stone-coated steel, or shingles. If it is applied to a clean roof regularly, you can keep your roof clean without washing it repeatedly.It is importat to hire contractors who know how to properly clean a roof. Beware of those who just resort to using power wash or chemicals because they do not have the right experience to clean a roof effectively. The best way to keep your roof clean is by using Roof-A-Cide® to prevent stain, algae or mold from building up.More and more property owners are finding an easier and less expensive way to have a clean roof. Roof-A-Cide® is a cost-effective and easy method to keep your roof clean and to extend the life of your roof.